'Expanding Traditions Project' Celebrated at Nisga'a Museum

It was a celebration the first of its kind at the Nisga'a Museum to celebrate five Nisga'a Youth that have completed the 'Expanding Traditions - Cross Generational Youth Engagement Program'.

Codey Stewart, Shaina Stephens, Terrell Stevens, Trevor Robinson, Jr., and William Stewart III were the five Nisga'a Youth celebrated for their up and coming artistic talent.

The five Nisga'a Youth were mentored for 6 weeks under the guidance of senior Nisga'a Carvers Calvin McNeil and Gerald Robinson.

Each of the Nisga'a Youth chose 1 piece from the priceless Ancestor's Collection to study and replicate over the 6 week period. 

In addition to friends and family on hand to celebrate the achievements of the Nisga'a youth were Secretary-Treasurer Corinne McKay; Laxgalts'ap Chief Councillor Henry Moore; Gitwinksihlkw Chief Councillor Ron Nyce and Gitlaxt'aamiks Chief Administrative Officer Darlene Morgan.  The leadership, friends and family each took the opportunity to provide words of encouragement to the participants, senior carvers and the the Nisga'a Museum staff.

One proud mother commended the Nisga'a Museum staff for creating a program that fosters artistic creativity making reference to the fact that not everyone is in to sports.

Gitlaxt'aamiks Chief Administrative Officer Darlene Morgan reminded the youth, "today you are making history, for the Nisga'a Nation, for the Nisga'a Museum and for yourselves!", she concluded by recommending each of the Nisga'a youth make a personal note to tuck away for their future descendants to find - to be reminded of the historical achievement they each made in their young lives.

Each of the Nisga'a Youth then formally presented their replicas to the Nisga'a Museum Staff in exchange for a certificate of completion and a keepsake portrait of the original artwork they chose to replicate.  Following the presentation of certificates, the group did a cake cutting ceremony and provided for a toast of 'sparkling juice'.

The Expanding Traditions - Cross Generational Youth Engagement Program was made possible through funding from Nisga'a Lisims Government, BC Arts Council and the Province of British Columbia.

For pictures of the Expanding Traditions celebration, visit our photo album here:   http://nisgaanation.zenfolio.com/p417628146

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